Translation guide
The English word "whatever" is used in several distinct ways: as a pronoun meaning "anything" or "no matter what", as a determiner meaning "any" or "no matter which", as an interjection expressing dismissal or indifference, and in fixed phrases. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
Expressing that any thing, event, or outcome is acceptable or will not change a situation.
Means 'anything' or 'whatever'. Used in positive contexts to say that any option is fine, or that someone can do anything.
I eat anything.
Please choose whatever you like.
Emphatic phrase meaning 'no matter what' or 'at all costs'. Used when determined to do something regardless of obstacles.
I want to succeed no matter what.
Formal/literary expression meaning 'whatever it may be'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
Whatever the reason, being late is being late.
Means 'in any case' or 'whatever the case may be'. Slightly formal.
Whatever the case, preparation is necessary.
Modifying a noun to mean 'any' or 'no matter which'.
Pattern meaning 'any kind of ~' or 'no matter what kind of ~'. Replace ～ with a noun.
We can solve whatever problem.
I'll go whatever the weather.
Pattern meaning 'whichever ~' or 'any ~' when choosing from a specific set. Replace ～ with a noun.
You can borrow whatever book.
Very formal/literary pattern meaning 'any ~ whatsoever'. Used in legal or official contexts.
Whatever reason is not acceptable.
Showing that you don't care, are annoyed, or want to end a conversation. Often used as a standalone response.
Literally 'it's fine either way', but used to mean 'I don't care' or 'whatever'. Can sound dismissive or indifferent. Often used in casual speech.
Can be rude if said bluntly to a superior or in formal situations.
A: Which one do you want? B: Whatever.
Literally 'I don't know', but used dismissively like 'whatever' or 'I don't care'. Very casual and can be rude.
A: Why were you late? B: Whatever.
Means 'oh well' or 'whatever'. Used to drop a subject or give up on something. Casual.
Whatever, let's do it another time.
Literally 'do as you please', used to mean 'whatever, suit yourself'. Can sound annoyed or dismissive.
Expressing determination or inevitability regardless of circumstances.
Means 'no matter what happens' or 'come what may'. Commonly used to express unwavering resolve.
I won't give up, whatever happens.
Means 'whatever may happen' or 'regardless of the outcome'. Slightly formal/literary.
Whatever the result, I won't regret it.
Direct translations like '何でも' or '何であれ' do not convey the dismissive tone of the English interjection 'whatever'. Use phrases like 'どうでもいい' or '知らない' instead, but be aware they can sound rude.
A: Sorry, I forgot. B: Whatever.
'何でも' means 'anything' (any object/choice), while '何があっても' means 'no matter what happens' (any event/circumstance). Do not confuse them.
I eat anything.
I'll eat no matter what happens.
I'll do whatever it takes.
A: I'm not going after all. B: Whatever, suit yourself.